The latest Dexter Fowler MLB and fantasy baseball news

Free-agent OF Dexter Fowler (Cubs) agreed to a five-year deal with the St. Louis Cardinals Thursday, Dec. 8, pending a physical. The deal is worth at least $80 million. He will undergo his physical Friday, Dec. 9.

Fantasy Tip: Fowler is going to be eased back into the lineup slightly, and he didn't start the game Sunday, July 24. He remains a must-start outfielder in all fantasy formats because of his five-category production atop the potent Chicago lineup.

Fantasy Tip: Fowler returned from the disabled list with a bang Friday, July 22, and he projects to see the odd game off given the depth Chicago boasts. He's a must-own outfielder in all settings because of his five-category potential. Contreras also should be owned in all leagues given his eligibility at catcher and respectable .278/.376/.491 slash line through 125 plate appearances.

Chicago Cubs OF Dexter Fowler (hamstring) returned from a 27-game absence and went 3-for-4 with a home run, a double, three RBI, two runs scored and a walk in a 5-2 win over the Milwaukee Brewers Friday, July 22.

Fantasy Tip: Talk about shaking off the rust. Fowler picked up where he left off and looks safe to deploy going forward.

Fantasy Tip: Fowler hasn't played in a major league game in over a month, so it's understandable to be hesitant to throw him back into starting lineups immediately. But keep in mind he's been great for fantasy owners with his .290/.398/.483 slash line, seven homers, 41 runs, 28 RBI and six steals. Baez will bounce around as a utility player, but solid playing time may be harder to come by now.

Fantasy Tip: Fowler may be a little rusty with some time off, so it's understandable if you're hesitant to throw him back into seasonal lineups immediately. But he's been a boon to fantasy owners with his .290/.398/.483 slash line and seven home runs, 41 runs, 28 RBI and six steals. Almora is a promising youngster who was the casualty of a stacked roster. He showed well, hitting .265 with two homers and nine RBI but has an uphill battle to climb for playing time moving forward. He should be kept in most dynasty leagues, however.

Fantasy Tip: Fowler's rehab assignment is expected to be brief and he should remain stashed in all fantasy formats because of his ability to contribute in all major statistical categories. OF Albert Almora is likely to be optioned to the minors when Fowler is activated from the disabled list and C/OF Wilson Contreras and INF/OF Javier Baez could see a reduction in playing time.

Fantasy Tip: Fowler was close to returning before the All-Star break, so expect him to be 100% healthy and back sooner than later. He's a must-start outfielder in all leagues because of his five-category contributions. Soler is worth owning in deep mixed and NL-only leagues because of his upside, but he likely won't see everyday at-bats, which limits his value. Reiterating a previous tip, Willson Contreras and Javier Baez could see fewer starts once both outfielders are back, and Albert Almora might be optioned back to Class AAA Iowa.